Grand National Legends It is illegal for anyone aged under 18 to gamble Grand National Legends Grand National greats are now honoured in an award scheme that was launched by Aintree racecourse and race sponsors, John Smithï¿½s, in 2010. The hall of fame-style initiative initially required the public to vote for five personalities to be inducted as the inaugural Grand National Legends. The winners were announced on the day of the 2010 Grand National and inscribed on commemorative plaques at Aintree. They were: ï¿½ Ginger McCain and his record three-time winning horse Red Rum; ï¿½ John Buckingham and Foinavon, the unlikely winners in 1967; ï¿½ Manifesto, who holds the record for most runs in the race, eight including two victories; ï¿½ Jenny Pitman, the first woman to train the winner of the race in 1983; and ï¿½ Sir Peter O'Sullevan, the commentator who called home the winners of fifty Grand National's on radio and television from 1947 to 1997.

A panel of experts also selected three additional legends: ï¿½ George Stevens, the record five-time winning rider between 1856ï¿½1870; ï¿½ Captain Martin Becher, who played a major part in bringing the Grand National to Liverpool, rode the winner of the first precursor to the National in 1836 and was the first rider to fall into the brook at the sixth fence, which forever took his name after 1839; and ï¿½ Edward Topham, who was assigned the task of framing the weights for the handicap from 1847 and whose descendants played a major role in the race for the next 125 years. John Smith's also added five "people's legends" who were introduced on Liverpool Day, the first day of the 2010 Grand National meeting.

The five were: ï¿½ Arthur Ferrie, who worked as a groundsman during the 1970s and 1980s; ï¿½ Edie Roche, a Melling Road resident who opened her home to jockeys, spectators and members of the media when the course was evacuated following a bomb threat in 1997; ï¿½ Ian Stewart, a fan who had travelled from Coventry every year to watch the race and was attending his fiftieth National in 2010; ï¿½ Ken Lawson, a policeman who was celebrating thirty-one years of service in the mounted section of Merseyside Police and was set to escort his third National winner in 2010; and ï¿½ Tony Roberts, whose first visit to the National had been in 1948 and had steadily spread the word to family and friends about the race, regularly bringing a party of up to thirty people to the course. There have been further inductees each year since 2010.

In 2011, nine additional legends were added: ï¿½ Bob Champion and Aldaniti, winners of the 1981 Grand National; ï¿½ West Tip, who ran in six consecutive Nationals and won once in 1986; ï¿½ Richard Dunwoody, the jockey who rode West Tip and Miinnehoma to victory and who competed in 14 Grand Nationals, being placed in eight; ï¿½ Brian Fletcher, a jockey who won the race three times (including Red Rum's first victory in 1973), and finished second once and third three times; ï¿½ Vincent O'Brien, who trained three consecutive winners of the race in the 1950s; ï¿½ Tom Olliver, who rode in nineteen Nationals, including seventeen consecutively, and won three times, as well as finishing second three times and third once; ï¿½ Count Karel Kinsky, the first international winner of the race, and at his first attempt, on board the mare Zoedone in 1883; ï¿½ Jack Anthony, three-time winning jockey in 1911, 1

915 and 1920; and ï¿½ Peter Bromley, the radio commentator who covered 42 Grand National's until his retirement.

After a public vote, the following were added to the roll of honour in 2012: ï¿½ Fred Winter ï¿½ the only man to have both ridden and trained two Grand National winners; ï¿½ Fred Rimell ï¿½ who rained four different horses to win the Grand National between 1956-76; ï¿½ Tommy Carberry ï¿½ who rode Lï¿½Escargot to win in 1975 and trained Bobbyjo (ridden by son Paul) to victory in 1999; ï¿½ Carl Llewellyn ï¿½ who managed two wins, on Party Politics and Earth Summit, out of 15 rides, including 12 consecutive attempts; and ï¿½ Michael Scudamore ï¿½ who had 16 consecutive rides in the race from 1951-66, winning once (Oxo 1959) and also finishing second and third.

In addition, a selection panel decided to add: ï¿½ George Dockeray ï¿½ who trained Lottery to win first Grand National in 1839 and won three more in the next 13 years; ï¿½ Battleship and Bruce Hobbs ï¿½ who together won the 1938 Grand National. They were the smallest horse youngest jockey ever to win the race; and ï¿½ Tommy Pickernell ï¿½ who secured 3 wins from 17 rides between 1859 and 1877. Also in 2012, Aintree welcomed two new ï¿½Peopleï¿½s Legendsï¿½. John Burges, a racecourse vet at the National for 38 years and Maureen Eyers, a devoted local fan. The nominees for induction in 2013 were: ï¿½ The Duke of Albuquerque ï¿½ a Spanish nobleman who harboured childhood dreams of winning the Grand National after seeing a cinema newsreel film of the race.

He perfectly epitomises the undaunting spirit of the National for he rode in the great race seven times as an amateur and more often than not ending up in Walton hospital with serious injuries following falls. ï¿½ Neville Crump ï¿½ who trained three winners of the Grand National and had another five horses placed in the race. ï¿½ Tim Forster ï¿½ who became the first owner-trainer to win the Grand National since the Second World War when Well To Do triumphed at Aintree in 1972. Forster also went on to train two more National winners - Ben Nevis in 1980 and Last Suspect in 1985. These victories make him one of only seven trainers to have won the Grand National three times. ï¿½ Dick Francis ï¿½ who was famously leading the Grand National on the Queen Mother's horse, Devon Loch, when the horse inexplicably fell on the flat with the 1956 race in safe keeping. On retirement from race riding, he was the racing correspondent for the Sunday Express for 16 years and wrote over 40 best-selling thrillers ï¿½ starting with Dead Cert in 1962.

ï¿½ Trevor Hemmings ï¿½ who is one of the leading owners in the sport and who at the time had won the great race twice with Hedgehunter (2005) and Ballabriggs (2011) and, in total, has had 28 runners, with at least one every year since 2000. Since then Hemmings has, of course, won the National again with Many Clouds. ï¿½ Golden Miller ï¿½ who is the only horse to ever win both the Gold Cup and the Grand National in the same year (1934). He was trained by Basil Briscoe in Cambridgeshire and owned by the eccentric Dorothy Paget. Having fallen at the canal turn as favourite for the 1933 race, he won the Grand National in a then record time in 1934. He retired in 1939 with a record of 29 wins from 52 races and is buried at Elsenham Stud. ï¿½ Ernie Piggott ï¿½ who on the Grand National on three occasions.

His first National win was on Jerry M, a horse who had finished 2nd in 1910. In 1918, he won the War National Steeplechase on Poethlyn, the last of the 3 races run at Gatwick before the race returned to Liverpool the next year following the end of the First World War. The duo were successful again at Aintree a year later, after being sent off as 11-4 favourites. ï¿½ Richard Pitman ï¿½ who has been involved in the Grand National for 45 years - first riding in the race in 1967 and was involved in one of the most famous races of all time when Crisp was cruelly denied victory by Red Rum in 1973. Crisp, giving 23lbs to Red Rum, led by 15 lengths at the final fence but tired and was passed only metres from the line in a then record time. Richard went on to work for the BBC from 1976 onwards, remaining closely involved with the Grand National through many famous events including the bomb scare and the void race.

ï¿½ Reynoldstown ï¿½ who won two consecutive Grand Nationals at Aintree. In his first win of 1935, Reynoldstown - ridden by Frank Furlong, - beat the great Golden Miller. In the 1936 race, Reynoldstown, ridden this time by Fulke Walwyn, carried top weight at 12st. 2lbs and became the first horse to win two Nationals in a row since Poethlyn in 1918. ï¿½ Ruby Walsh ï¿½ who is one of the leading jockeys riding today and who has an extraordinary record in the Grand National. At that time he had only once failed to complete the course (he pulled up before the 22nd fence on Shotgun Willy in 2003) and had had ten rides for two wins, a second and two fourth places. He won the Grand National in his first ride in the race in 2000 on Papillon, trained by his father Ted. Of the above, the five chosen to be inducted were Richard Pitman, Ruby Walsh, Trevor Hemmings, Dick Francis CBE and Golden Miller.

© Where To Bet Ltd 2004-16 (contact us: wheretobet@hotmail.com) BBC Sport - Horse Racing - Grand National: Vote to honour Aintree legends Grand National: Vote to honour Aintree legends John Smith's Grand National, Aintree, 9 April BBC One/BBC HD/BBC Radio 5 live/online Other races also across the BBC 7-9 April By Frank Keogh Five Grand National greats are to be honoured in awards launched by Aintree racecourse. They will be selected by a public vote in the Hall of Fame-style initiative, with the winners announced on 9 April, the day of the National. The nominations were made by a panel of racing experts who were asked to consider the star performers - equine and human - from the 1830s through to the present day. Last year, National-winning trainers Ginger McCain and Jenny Pitman, along with former BBC commentator Sir Peter O'Sullevan, were among those honoured. More details on how to vote this time can be found via the official Aintree website The 10 contenders on the 2011 shortlist are listed below. Voting closes on 20 March.

Fred Rimell One of the great National trainers, winning four times with different horses, ESB (1956), Nicolaus Silver (1961), Gay Trip (1970) and Rag Trade (1976). He was champion jockey four times between 1939 and 1946. After two heavy falls and a broken neck, he switched to training horses and won his first National with ESB who got up to beat the unfortunate Devon Loch. Nicolaus Silver became only the second grey in history to win the race. Gay Trip then won the 1971 National and five years later Rimell's Rag Trade produced another victory by outrunning the legendary Red Rum to take the race. Vincent O'Brien Considered by many to be the greatest racehorse trainer of all-time, he won four Cheltenham Gold Cups, three Champion Hurdles and three consecutive Grand Nationals. He then turned his attention to the Flat and went on to take 27 Irish Classics, three Prix de l' Arc de Triomphes and 16 English Classics, including six Epsom Derby wins.

Within the first decade of his career as a trainer, O'Brien achieved a feat that may never be equalled - a Grand National treble with three different horses. In 1953, Early Mist won at 20-1 and O'Brien triumphed again at Aintree the following year with Royal Tan before Quare Times sealed the hat-trick. O'Brien He died in June 2009 aged 92. Fred Winter The only man to have both ridden and trained two Grand National winners (Sundew 1957 and Kilmore 1962/Jay Trump 1965 and Anglo 1966). He was champion jockey four times during the 1950s and leading trainer seven times in the 1970s and considered unique by all his contemporaries. It was Winter, sometimes known as "Mr Grand National", who instituted the "brave man's route" around Aintree's fences, saving ground by sticking tightly to the inside rail, jumping where the obstacles were higher. He was a master over the course and believed in giving his horses time and not chasing the leaders until the second circuit.

Bob Champion & Aldaniti Champion fought and successfully overcame cancer, before winning the Grand National in 1981. His horse, Aldaniti, had also been nursed back from a serious leg injury by trainer, Josh Gifford, who feared at one stage he would never race again. Their story, brought to millions through the 1983 film Champions where John Hurt played the jockey, recalls one of the most emotional National victories and has been an inspiration to many thousands of other people suffering from cancer. Champion has continued to raise considerable money for cancer research, including a sponsored walk he and Aldaniti took from Buckingham Palace to Aintree. Tommy Carberry In 1975, Irish jockey Tommy Carberry rode L'Escargot to victory over Red Rum, completing a remarkable double for a horse that had already won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1970 and 1971.

Nearly a quarter of a century later, he became one of an elite group of men who have successfully ridden and trained Grand National winners when his son, Paul Carberry, rode BobbyJo to victory - becoming the first Irish trained winner of the race since L'Escargot 24 years earlier. The well-backed Bobbyjo had won the Irish Grand National a year previously and jumped beautifully to win by 10 lengths. Tim Forster Captain Tim Forster became the first owner-trainer to win the National since the Second World War when 14-1 chance Well To Do scored a poignant win at Aintree in 1972. Forster, who died in 1999 aged 65, also went on to train two more National winners - Ben Nevis in 1980 and Last Suspect in 1985. He is one of only seven trainers to have won the big race three times. He had bought Well To Do for just over £700 on behalf of one of his chief owners, Heather Sumner, in 1966. When she died of cancer, she left him the choice of any of her horses in her will.

He opted for her own favourite Well To Do. Ben Nevis won under amateur American jockey Charlie Fenwick for Forster, who was a popular and well-respected character, known for his pessimism. When asked about using Last Suspect's colours for a runner in the race after the National, he replied gloomily: "Last Suspect won't be back in time for that." Brian Fletcher Fletcher's record of three Grand National wins, one second and three thirds from nine rides in the big race is bettered only by Jack Anthony in the 20th Century. Although he won his first National in 1968 aged just 20 on Red Alligator, he will forever be associated with the great Red Rum on whom he secured victories in 1973 and 1974. For Rummy's first win, the pair - carrying 23lb less than their rival - wore down the seemingly unassailable lead which Crisp had held and got up on the run-in to win by three-quarters of a length. The following year, Red Rum shouldered 12 stone in weight, yet still beat L'Escargot by seven lengths.

However, Fletcher and trainer Ginger McCain later fell out and Tommy Stack was on board for Red Rum's third triumph in 1977. West Tip West Tip - a misspelling of West Tipp as in Tipperary - ran in six consecutive Nationals. He won once, finished second another time was twice fourth. The bay gelding, under a cool ride from Richard Dunwoody, won by two lengths in 1986. He was fourth in the following two Nationals and was runner-up to Little Polveir in 1989 at the age of 12. 'Tippy, as he was affectionately known, retired from racing in 1992 and enjoyed a well-earned retirement under the care of Becky Titterton at her family's dairy farm near Warwick. Richard Dunwoody Boasting the best National record in modern times for a jockey, he rode 14 years in a row, winning twice (West Tip 1986 & Miinnehoma 1994) and being placed on several occasions.

He was second on West Tip in 1989, third on Superior Finish (1996), Samlee (1998) and Call It A Day (1999), fourth on West Tip (1987 & 1988) and sixth on Bigsun (1990). In 1993, Dunwoody took over from Peter Scudamore as first jockey to champion trainer Martin Pipe and a year later he won the National on 11-year-old Miinnehoma, named after an oil well and owned by Liverpudlian comedian Freddie Starr. Dunwoody rode a record 1,679 domestic National winners, a feat which was broken by current champion Tony McCoy. Now a BBC racing pundit, he featured on the Strictly Dancing show and has completed polar treks for charity. Duke of Alberquerque The 18th Duke of Alberquerque (Beltran de Osorio y Diez de Rivera) was a Spanish nobleman who harboured childhood dreams of winning the Grand National after seeing a cinema newsreel film of the race.

During the 1950s, 60s and 70s, he rode in the race seven times as an amateur and more often than not ended up in Walton Hospital with serious injuries following falls. The Duke reckoned he suffered a total of 107 fractures at Aintree, but finally, in 1974, his efforts were rewarded as he finished a strong eighth behind Red Rum on his own Nereo - an admirable return for his persistence and enthusiasm. He attempted the race again, aged 57, with Nereo in 1976, but fell. THE 2010 LEGENDS Ginger McCain and Red Rum - Won the Grand National for a record three times in the 1970s and was second twice. Manifesto - Ran in the National eight times, finishing third on three occasions and fourth once, in addition to two victories. He was 16 when he last ran in the race, finishing unplaced in 1904.

John Buckingham and Foinavon - Buckingham won the National on his first ride in the race when he guided 100-1 shot past fallen horses in famous pile-up at 23rd fence which now bears horse's name. Jenny Pitman - First woman to train a Grand National winner when Corbiere won in 1983 and triumphed again with Royal Athlete 12 years later. Sir Peter O'Sullevan - The 'Voice of Racing', who is now aged 92, commentated on 50 Grand Nationals for the BBC. His charitable trust raises money for the protection of horses. Edward Topham - Took over the management of Aintree racecourse in the mid-19th century and his family dynasty remained in control through three generations for 125 years. George Stevens - Jockey won the race five times from 1856 to 1870. His final dramatic victory was on The Colonel who gunned down The Doctor by a neck in a thrilling finish.

Captain Martin Becher - A leading 19th century jockey, he was famous for once falling into the brook, with which is name is now associated as the famous Becher's Brook. Bookmark with: Grand National 2014: live - Telegraph Grand National 2014: live Follow live race commentary of the 2014 Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday, April 5 2014 Decisions, decisions: punters pick their horses for the 2014 Grand National Photo: GETTY IMAGES 17.50 Right then. Thanks for following this with us. Hope that you had a succesful afternoon. There's a full list below of how each and every horse got on. Thanks for reading and enjoy the rest of the sporting weekend. 17.40 Here is an email from Helen Lilley: I can't remember which year it was 1958-9 that I put 1shilling on oxo and it came in at sixteen to one,and i as a teenager was over the moon as i only got 5 bob pocket money.lol.

17.35 And here is Pineau getting the better of Balthazar King and Double Seven. 17.30 Here's a picture of Nick Schofield taking a header off Teaforthree 17.15 So a traditional Grand National - triumph and disaster, with something of an underdog story in the shape of the winner, who is trained by a part-timer. The best news of the day was that all jockeys and horses got home in one piece. 17.13 And here are the quotes from Ruby Walsh, refered to in that PETA statement, in more detail; he was speaking during the Cheltenham Festival last month. “Horses are horses,” he said. “You can replace a horse. It’s sad, but horses are animals, outside your back door. Humans are humans, they are inside your back door. You can replace a horse but you can’t replace a human being.” He later expanded to say: "We look after horses like they’re pets. There’s a huge difference between your pet and your family, that’s the point I was making.

There’s a big difference between you going home tonight and something’s happened to your dog, and you go home tonight and something’s happened to one of your kids. There’s a huge difference. At the end of the day, it’s still your pet. It ain’t your son, your daughter, your brother, your sister.” 17.10 Here is a statement from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) While it's a relief that no horses died at Aintree today, the mere fact that this is a cause for celebration says everything that anyone should need to know about the Grand National and the horse-racing industry. Hundreds of horses are killed on British racetracks every year – and for nothing more than a bet. And then there are the unseen victims, the thousands of foals bred for racing who don't make the grade and are either dumped at rescue charities, shot at stables or sold for meat. Even horse-racing stars have been sent to slaughter or found in a state of neglect, such as 1984 Grand National winner Hallo Dandy, who was found without proper food and shelter and covered with sores from rain scald.

Forget the finish line – this deadly industry is all about the bottom line, where the horses are viewed as "replaceable" in the words of racing's favourite son, jockey Ruby Walsh – disposable commodities to be dispatched behind the tarpaulin. 17.00 Here's a full list of how everyone did.

Aintree 4.15 1 Pineau De Re (L P Aspell) 25-1 2 Balthazar King (R Johnson) 14-1 3 Double Seven (A P McCoy) 10-1 Jt Fav 4 Alvarado (Paul Moloney) 33-1 5 Rocky Creek (N Fehily) 16-1 6 Chance Du Roy (T O'Brien) 7 Monbeg Dude (P Carberry) 8 Raz de Maree (D Condon) 9 Swing Bill (C O'Farrell) 10 Kruzhlinin (W Renwick) 11 Buckers Bridge (A Lynch) 12 The Package (T Scudamore) 13 Vesper Bell (K Walsh) 14 Across The Bay (H Brooke) 15 Mr Moonshine (R Mania) 16 Prince De Beauchene (P Townend) 17 Hunt Ball (A Tinkler) 18 Hawkes Point (R Mahon) 40 ran Also: 10-1 Jt Fav Teaforthree Tote: win £32.80

 places £8.80 £3.90 £3.60 £10.30 Tote Exacta: £580.30 PRP Battle Group did not start Twirling Magnet fell at the first.

Burton Point unseated rider at the second Big Shu fell at the third Last Time D'Albain fell at the sixth Tidal Bay unseated rider at the eighth Our Father unseated rider at the eighth Golan Way fell at the eighth Long Run fell at the ninth Mountainous fell at the ninth The Rainbow Hunter unseated rider at the ninth Teaforthree unseated rider at the 15th Shakalakaboomboom pulled up at the 20th Quito de la Roque pulled up at the 21st Triolo D'Alene pulled up at the 22nd One In A Milan fell at the 22nd Colbert Station pulled up at the 25th Vintage Star pulled up at the 26th Rose of the Moon fell at the 26th Lion Na Bearnai pulled up at the 27th Wayward Prince fell at the 28th Walkon pulled up at the 29th 16.50 Looking at the replay now. Pineau De Re makes a bad mistake at the 13th and Aspell did brilliantly to hold on.

Teaforthree was going fine until he got a bit close to the Chair and ended up going through it halfway up. Meanwhile, Monica Pearce writes: I think it was 4 years ago I won the grand national with a 100 to 1 winner and the money I won went towards my daughters wedding dress. What a result, I was thrilled! 16.48 Read JA McGrath's report on the race here . Leighton Aspell, who retired from riding several seasons ago only to come back better than ever, rode the most confident of races to land the Crabbie's Grand National at 25-1 at Aintree. Trained by Worcester-based Dr Richard Newland, Pineau De Re was travelling beautifully for the entire second circuit after surviving a bad mistake at the 13th fence. Balthazar King (14-1) battle hard for Richard Johnson to take second, with AP McCoy's mount Double Seven, sent off the 10-1 joint-favourite (together with Teaforthree, who fell at The Chair) in third.

Alvarado ran his heart out to take fourth at 33-1, with 16-1 chance Rocky Creek fifth, and Chance Du Roy sixth. 16.45 Best news of the day: all horses and jockeys have come back okay. 16.40 News wire report. Pineau De Re claimed Crabbie's Grand National glory at Aintree for trainer Dr Richard Newland and jockey Leighton Aspell. The 11-year-old was a 25-1 shot after finishing third in the Pertemps Final over hurdles at the Cheltenham Festival and moved into the race travelling powerfully. He jumped the final fence in a clear lead and his pursuers never looked like bridging the gap as he galloped all the way to the line to secure a momentous five-length victory. Balthazar King ran a fine race to finish second, ahead of champion jockey Tony McCoy aboard Double Seven. Alvarado stayed on from a long way back to finish fourth. Aspell, who at one stage had retired from riding, said: "It's a wonderful day, this is what we do it for.

"I've been watching the National since I was a very young boy. As much as you enjoy sharing everyone's success, you crave a bit too. "To get a chance to ride in the National is a great thing, and to get on one with a chance is even better. 16.39 Trainer of the runner up Philip Hobbs says "Frustrated to be second but enormously proud of this horse, who is a real superstar, so relaible and he tries so hard." 16.35 Great tale about the winning owner John Provan, a Glaswegian who is an amateur rider. "We've brought everybody, we're all sharing in this magnficent day. We love taking on the big boys." And here's the trainer Dr Richard Newland. He has been a GP, specialised in anorexia clinics and did some work in prostate cancer research. And then decided he fancied training some racehorses! Amazing stuff. 16.33 More: Jockey Leighton Aspell, who was second in the race in 2003 before quitting jump racing only to return because he missed National Hunt, said: "I feel a combination of tiredness and adrenaline.

He's a small horse and he had to try to do well on the jumps, which he did. I've been watching the National since I was a young boy and it is great just to have the chance to ride in it. This is why I came back to the sport." 16.28 Leighton Aspell the winning jockey is playing it very cool in his post race interview. I don't think I have heard a more restrained chat with a National winning jockey. he's 37, and had previously retired. He tells the BBC's Alice Plunkett: "From the Canal Turn the second time we had plenty of daylight. It's a wonderful day. I've been watching the National since I was a young boy. You see other people doing well and you're pleaed for them but you secretly crave a bit of success.

To get a ride in the National is a great thing and to get one with a live chance is even better." Aintree 4.15 1 Pineau De Re (L P Aspell) 25-1 2 Balthazar King (R Johnson) 14-1 3 Double Seven (A P McCoy) 10-1 Jt Fav 4 Alvarado (Paul Moloney) 33-1 5 Rocky Creek (Noel Fehily) 16-1 40 ran Also: 10-1 Jt Fav Teaforthree CSF: £316.27 Tricast: £3790.64 There's one faller at the first, Twirling Magnet. Burton Port is gone at the second, nasty fall for jockey Hardy. Long Run is up in the front, but Big Shu falls at the third. no fallers at the fourth. All over the fifth safely. Across The Bay leads. They come to Beecher's Brook, over Foinanvon now. Balthazar, Golan Way, getting mentions. Tidal Bay, Our Father brought down.

Long Run down.The Rainbow Hunter and Mountainous down. Coming up to the open ditch it is Mr Moonshine and Across The Bay And Colbert Station leading. Monbeg Dude gets a mention. There's Rose of the Moon and Tea For Three. Shakalakaboomboom getting a mention. Teaforthree has fallen. Halfway stage. Across The Bay has run off the track. Glorious madness! Oh he's back. Oh, horse. You are a foolish horse. Right then. So at the 17th everyone is over, there are 23 still standing. Rocky Creek is up there. Hawkes Point is over. Shakalakaboomboom has been pulled up. Coming up to Beecher's. Rocky Creek, Mr Moonshine, Double Seven up there. Triolene de Lene pulled up. Canal Turn, Mr Moonshine is in the lead, Monbeg Dude up there. Last year's winner Ryan Mania leading. AP up there on Double Seven. There are three left to jump. Rocky Creek takes it up from MIster Moonshine, Balthazar is in with chances. Monbeg Dude and Chance To Roy all involved Prince de Beauchenne..

Here comes AP to the second last and coming up to the last it's Pineau De Re, jumps the last in the lead, here comes Balthazar King as they come to the elbow, Double Seven in third. But it's going to be Pineau de Re who wins it by several lengths, Double Seven and Balthazar King battle it out for second. 16.16 It looks a good old fashioned fiasco . Anyway, they are finally off. 16.15 Dearie me. Naughty PRP Battle Group, he's ruined it for everyone. No Polo mints for you, Battle Group. Someone's lost a shoe! 16.14 They're off! But it's a false start. 16.10 Battlegroup is hanging back. He doesn't want to race. The rest of them are all ready. 16.06 Rishi down at the start, a couple of them having a look at the first. Concerns about PRP Battle Group, who is prone to unseating a rider. Jockeys can't afford to be too picky at the start. They'll just be looking to get them off in a reasonably fair fashion.

16.05 Someone's had three grand each way on Shakalakaboomboom. 16.00 Can Long Run become the first half since 1975 to double down on the Gold Cup and Grand National? I am hoping that Teaforthree jumps as well as he did last year. He's in to 10/1. Double Seven is second fave at 11/1. 15.58 Exciting! Who is going to win, then? I have bet on, deep breath, Teaforthree, Balthazar King, Hawkes Point and Vesper Bell. You? 15.55 Here's the jockeys' parade, they're lead out by last year's winner Ryan Mania. And now time for a group photograph. 15.53 Prince De Beauchene is an unknown factor, and there's Burton Port who hasn't won a race for four years, but that sucess was here at Aintree. 15.52 Triolo has never fallen, he's won the Hennessy, but he faded badly in the Gold Cup. Balthazar King, they're hoping won't go too mad on the pace.

15.51 Long Run has a lot to do, but is a class act. 15.50 Tidal Bay first ran at Aintree eight years ago. Long time since a 13 year old won the National. 15.47 Alice Plunkett introduces Zara Phillips. "You're related to Monbeg Dude. Well, not related to him..." Alice clarifies that she means Zara has been involved in his training. That's not to say that someone in the Royal Family couldn't be an acutal horse, who knows. They have had some pretty rum marriages throughout history. But I digress. Zara is quietly confident but a bit nervous and says that she just hopes all the horses come back in one piece. Jumping would be the question mark over Monbeg Dude. 15.45 The gamble seems to be for Shakalakaboomboom. I'm just hoping I don't have to type his name too often. He's into 20-1 from 33s. 15.35 Video news! Here's Thom Gibbs with a guide to the National .

15.30 Good news for me, I guess, in that Richard Johnson will ride Balthazar King in the National with my fiver each way aboard. Here's an email from Alan Brant: I can remember way back in the 60’s that I worked all day on Saturday ,so asked my dad to put 3 bets on for me in the National. He decided to double up on 2 of them but decided that the 3rd choice had no chance. That was Kilmore who won at pretty good odds !

Aintree 3.25 1 Duke Of Lucca (R Johnson) 12-1 2 Vino Griego (J E Moore) 25-1 3 Gullinbursti (N Fehily) 10-1 4 Kian's Delight (B Hughes) 14-1 17 ran Also: 5-1 Fav Victor Hewgo Non Runner: 15 Tote: win £15.50 places £3.60 £4.40 £2.60 £4.30 Tote Exacta: £444.60 CSF: £286.80 Tricast: £3110.92 Tote Trifecta: £5,107.30 15.26 Anyway, this Handicap. Our Mick putting in a heroic front-running effort but he has been hauled injust before the last, and it's Duke Of Luca taking it up against Vino Griego, these two both tiring badly but they're bravely battling to the line. This is going to be so close - it's Duke Of Luca by a head.

15.25 I don't fancy the look of Moonbeg Dune much. 15.20 Least favourite one is that year that they had the false start. Anyway. They're about to go off in the 3.25pm, which is a Listed Handicap Chase. 15.15 Bit of rain about. Favourite Aintree memories, then? Mine is from 2012, when I was at Lord's with my mate who owns Planet Of Sound. I dunno why he wasn't at Aintree. Anyway, Planet - who was a really classy horse - was leading in the National for a bit. He didn't win in the end, but for a few minutes there...

Aintree 2.50 1 Whisper (B J Geraghty) 4-1 2 At Fishers Cross (A P McCoy) 11-8 Fav 3 Thousand Stars (P Townend) 11-1 7 ran Also: 10-3 Zarkandar 4th Tote: win £4.70 places £2.30 £1.60 Tote Exacta: £11.80 CSF: £9.85 14.50 They're off in the third race, the 2.50. Stayers' hurdle. BIg Buck's won this four times, by the way. Zarakandar thought leads them around with At Fisher's Cross, those two are a good eight lengths clear with eight hurdles to jump. There's some light rain as they come into the back straight, Melodic Rendezvous is in third. With three to jump, still At Fisher's Cross and Zarkandar, these two still clear of the pack. Turning for home, At Fishers Cross lurches to the right jumping the third last.

Whisper and At Fisher's Cross duke it out in the straight and At Fisher's Cross rallies gamely, but Whisper has got just enough in the tank. He holds off the strong challenge of McCoy and At Fisher's Cross. 14.40 Who is everyone betting on. I am keen on Teaforthree and Balthazar King. Now I need a rank outsider or two. 14.39 Right. What else have we got? Here's a horse's eye video of the Aintree course. 14.36 Thirty nine blokes and one woman this year: Katie Walsh, who is a late sub and will ride Vesper Bell. Katie Walsh is an extremely impressive person, in my opinion. Ruby is recovering at home after injury at Cheltenham. Here's that brilliant portrait of her in the NPG. 14.35 Here is the Telegraph's own Marcus Armytage, one of the few jockeys to be in a very select and prestigious group. 14.30 Another shout for our guide to the National runners and riders . 14.25 Next race is a the stayers' hurdle. Prior to that, we're introduced to all the National winning jockeys.

What an amazing bunch of blokes they are. 14.15 Look, some famous people being interviewed about the National. It's that Paddy McGuiness and Gemma Merna, who used to be in Holyoaks, or so I have just learned from my colleague Giles Mole. 14.10 So a good win for Alan King, and a result for Marlborough with his nap of the day. Aintree 2.05 1 Balder Succes (W Hutchinson) 7-2 2 Simply Ned (Brian Harding) 12-1 3 Trifolium (A P McCoy) 11-4 Fav 7 ran Also: 9-2 Moscow Mannon 4th Tote: win £4.00 places £2.40 £3.00 Tote Exacta: £43.60 CSF: £38.34 Next Sensation leads them around and he's jumping nicely, Trifolium also going well in second. They're coming in front of the stand swinging left handed . Pace looks a bit hot to me, with eight to jump.

Moscow Mannon moves through to join those first two, but doesn't jump very well seventh out. Balder Succes coming through. Simply Ned good progress. Four to jump. Bad mistake Trifolium four out but he's fighting back. With three to jump, Trifolium and Next Sesnation, SImply Ned and Balder Succes with a run. Coming over the last it is Balder Suces from Simply Ned, Trifolium is beaten and Balder Succes is streaking away. Wins it in some style. 14.05 They're off in the second race. 13.55 Attention now turns to a Novice Chase, run over two miles, with AP in the bike of the favourite Trifolium. Mind you, our expert Marlborough has napped Balder Succes. Seven runners. They run on the Mildmay ccourse, going's good. Five of the last ten faves have won this. I've had a small taster on Trifolium. 13.45 This is a nice piece by Sarah Rainey on what it's like to commentate on a horse race . Bloody difficult, is her verdict. Aaand they’re off!

Aaand I’ve completely lost the power of speech. “Um,” I stutter, squinting at the galloping mass hundreds of metres down below. “It’s the second race of the day at Aintree and the horses are running … really fast … and they’ve gone over the first jump …” I feel a sharp elbow in my ribcage. “Sorry – over the 'flight’ … and the red one’s in the lead, with another reddish one – no, it’s purple – just behind him…” I gabble incoherently, pointing out everything from the colour of the grass to the lovely hats worn by the female spectators. The man to my right buries his head in his hands. Four floors above the Aintree racecourse, I’m standing in a tiny box, armed with binoculars and a microphone, being tutored by Simon Holt, Channel 4’s master commentator. Holt is, I am told, the “AP McCoy of the commentary world”, who’s called some of the biggest races in history and covered the Cheltenham Gold Cup 14 consecutive times.

On Thursday, as crowds of 33,000 flocked to the opening day of the biggest race meeting of the year, he agreed to teach me the tricks of the commentary trade. His expectations, he tells me, are “low” – and I’m certainly living up to them. “This job is not easy,” insists Holt. “I still get nervous going into the big meetings – you have to mask it and try to sound as calm as possible. The pressure of getting it right can be immense. It is an adrenalin rush but you have good days and bad days. That’s the beauty of horse racing. It’s very risky trying to pre-prepare lines because you have absolutely no idea what’s going to happen.” 13.40 So is that a good omen for AP McCoy and his many supporters? Lac Fontana looks a good battler, he won the Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and this is now becoming an impressive CV. 13.38 Incidentally, if you want to donate to the Racehorse Rescue Centre , which aims to rehome ex-racers then you can do so by donating here . 13.35 And it's a cracking race!

Lac Fontana and Splash of Ginge with a heroic battle up the home straight, both of them absolutely giving their all but AP McCoy just will not be beaten on Lac Fontana. He manages to wrestle his mount home and the champ takes the first race. No disgrace for Sam Twiston-Davies and Splash of Ginge in second. Oscar Hoof had a bad fall but both he and jockey Barry Geraghty are ok. Aintree 1.30

Question: Who is the only man to have trained the winner of the Grand National in 3 consecutive years?
Answer: VINCENT O'BRIEN